Mutual respect with San Beda makes title win sweeter for Lyceum

The 93rd basketball tournament of the NCAA became a virtual toss-up between eventual champion San Beda and Lyceum.

San Beda had a 16-2 record in the eliminations while Lyceum went on a perfect 18-0 tear, but the Red Lions were still the ones who walked away with the all-important championship.

And in just a matter of months, the Pirates and Red Lions were at it again and duking it out for one more title and this time it was in the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

This time it was Lyceum that came home with the title.

And although the Pirates finally avenged their NCAA title loss the Red Lions, Lyceum head coach Topex Robinson said there is nothing but respect between his team and San Beda.

“I think there’s so much respect for each other, and the thing I appreciate about them [Red Lions] is we will just play basketball,” said Robinson after their 70-66 triumph Thursday at Filoil Flying V Centre.

“There’s no hard feelings, there’s just so much love and respect for the two teams, and there’s no rivalry. It’s just clean basketball and we enjoy every moment that we play San Beda,” added Robinson. “I’m sure they feel the same way about us.”

CJ Perez, who is the face of the Pirates, echoed his coach’s words adding that even though this is the second straight time they faced San Beda there’s no hint of any animosity between the two teams.

The senior forward, who finished with eight points and 13 rebounds, added it’s always a treat for him and for the team whenever they play against the Red Lions.

“We’re grateful and honored that we faced them again, and of course finally we got one against them,” said Perez in Filipino. “And I know there’s no rivalry between us because this is just the first time we’ve faced after the NCAA.”